House Republicans advanced a controversial education bill this week that LGBTQ+ advocates say could dramatically reshape how schools handle transgender and nonbinary students. The legislation, H.R. 2616, titled the “Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act” or “PROTECT Kids Act,” would require federally funded elementary and middle schools to obtain parental consent before recognizing a student’s gender identity at school.
The bill passed the House largely along party lines in a 217-198 vote and now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Supporters say the measure strengthens parental rights and transparency in schools. Critics argue it would effectively force schools to out transgender students to their families, even in situations where educators fear doing so could place students at risk.
Introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, the legislation would prohibit public elementary and middle schools receiving federal funds from changing a student’s name, pronouns, or access to facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms without written parental permission.
A revised version of the bill also incorporates language from another Republican-backed proposal, H.R. 2617, often referred to by opponents as a federal “Don’t Say Gay” or “Don’t Say Trans” measure. According to advocacy groups and policy analyses, the combined legislation could restrict schools from using federal funding for instruction or programming involving gender identity concepts.
The Congressional Equality Caucus sharply criticized the legislation, calling it part of a broader effort to erase transgender students from public life. Caucus Chair Mark Takano previously warned similar proposals would create less safe school environments and interfere with educators’ ability to support vulnerable students.
Education organizations also condemned the bill. The National Education Association urged lawmakers to reject H.R. 2616, arguing it would require educators to violate student trust and professional ethics. The union stated that schools should not be forced into disclosing sensitive information about LGBTQ+ students through federal mandates.
Conservative supporters, however, framed the legislation as a response to growing parental frustration over school policies related to gender identity. Walberg argued that parents should be informed about “enormously consequential decisions” involving their children. The Trump administration has also expressed support for the measure.
Civil liberties groups warn the bill could have chilling effects extending beyond transgender students. The National Coalition Against Censorship said the legislation could suppress classroom discussions involving LGBTQ+ identities and discourage schools from offering affirming support services.
